World AIDS Day, 1-December

Today is World AIDS Day. Acknowledged in nearly every nation, this day draws attention to the fact that AIDS is still very present. Now 30-years old, HIV / AIDS is no longer the death warrant it was when it first appeared and was referred to as a “Gay Cancer”.

Despite progress that has been made in educating the public here in the US and globally, the United Nations estimates that a jaw dropping 33 million people live with HIV / AIDS

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people and more than 580,000 Americans. This ranks AIDS with malaria and tuberculosis as one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world

More than 15 million children have been orphaned by HIV

In the US more 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and the CDC estimates 20% (220,000 people) do not know they are HIV+

The Boston Living Center will be hosting a World AIDS Day celebration, lighting the Prudential Tower red. Today’s ceremony will occur in the center of the mall near the customer service desk in the atrium and will run from 4:30 – 6:00pm. You can read more about the program on the event facebook page.

Contact your local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) to volunteer or make a donation. New England has several worthwhile ASOs but I prefer to donate to the AIDS Action Committee of MA.